Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful that the Minister is happy to reflect on the matter and address it. That is always valuable. I recall that on the Personal Insolvency Act we had a tutorial by all parties which helped the Minister. Certainly, the number of amendments he proposed or accepted from other Members was remarkable. I look forward to seeing it in operation.

The problem is that of the 150,000 properties, 130,000 could create difficulties. Contemplating that level of evictions is appalling, as indicated by the Minister and Senators Aideen Hayden, Martin Conway and Jim Walsh. I hope the discussion we have had will send a message to the financial receivers and buyers of the properties that the House is not at all enthusiastic about the possibility of repossessions and evictions and that these matters will be addressed by Deputies Alan Shatter and Phil Hogan in their ministerial capacities. That signal from the Oireachtas is most valuable lest there is anybody outside who thinks he or she can repossess a property and seek vacant possession and put people out. It is one of the great parliamentary functions to say that is not the way its Members are thinking and that the Minister is giving it further thought. I thank him profusely and wish him good luck. We will be in communication to see what we can do to get around the problem. The House should be grateful to the Minister for his positive response, which I welcome.